Editor,

Please allow me space in your widely read newspaper to express the following points. The flow of illegal migrants to Europe these days is alarming .Frequently, newspapers carry screaming headlines but to no avail. The most productive, treasured and valuable part of our society - the youths - are often the victims.

They are attracted to Europe, hoping for a better life. Out of frustration, they are coerced to journey in overcrowded and rickety boats across the Mediterranean with the belief that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Unfortunately, most of them end up in their graves. Efforts to combat this menace over the years have proven futile, with governments and other institutions doing their best to discourage the youths from undertaking this perilous expedition. The loss of lives and untold sufferings is like a story for many of our youths who are prepared to dice with death.

Many a time, one wonders and ponders over the reasons for our youths taking this adventure. The reasons vary but prominent among them are frustration and pressure to escape the social disease of poverty, which is eating deep into the structure and fabric of our society. History as it is often said repeats itself, therefore one can draw a parallel with slavery and the slave trade. Slavery and the slave trade claimed millions of lives, and caused untold sufferings which brought total disruption to normal life in Africa. Could illegal migration be called the civilized form of slavery and slave trade? Isn't this pathetic?